A Self-Killing Rabies Virus That Leaves a Trace on the DNA

Abstract

Although modified rabies viruses have emerged as a powerful tool for tracing the inputs to genetically defined populations of neurons, the toxicity of the virus has limited its utility. A recent study employed a self-inactivating rabies (SiR) virus that enables recording or manipulation of targeted neurons for months.

Keywords: physiology; rabies virus; technique; tracing.